Sandy and Barry: “Thank you JDate for finally bringing us together after 35 years.”

We originally met 35 years ago at the Jewish Community Center in Worcester, MA and briefly spoke. Barry was 19 years old at the time and I was 15. His sister Annie was in my BBG group. That was it. He went his way and I went my way.

We both had married twice. My two marriages failed. One of his failed and he recently lost his wife of 15 years. We both joined JDate, searching for our soul mate. After all, “they say” the third time is the charm. I only joined for one month, praying that I would find the man of my dreams. I went out on three dates in the course of three weeks, all very nice men. One of which I have befriended.

I was updating my subscription options that were due to end on January 1, 2012 when my kitten, MaryJane, jumped from the window, landing on my computer keyboard with the arrow pointing to re-enroll and subscribed me for another six months at the cost of $185! I immediately panicked since it was Chanukah and I had spent down my allotted allowance for the month. Needless to say, thanks to MaryJane, she emptied my checking account. If that wasn’t enough, she deleted all my emails, except for one. This was an email from a gentleman who lived in Florida who was originally from my hometown of Worcester, MA. In the email, he asked me if I knew of his family. The last name did not ring a bell. He appeared quite different and after all, I met him 35 years ago. I saw that he was online and I decided to take a chance and email him back, after all, I had been dared by an ex-roommate to join JDate. What did I have to lose? It was Christmas Eve and I had only one week left to find my “Prince Charming.” After all, in my profile I mentioned that I was not afraid to accept a dare and I was willing to relocate if the circumstances presented themselves as positive.

I received an email back within 10 minutes of responding to this fellow Worcesterite’s note. I did not have a picture on the site, looks are so superficial, I believe that what is inside is what really matters. Looks are just a plus. I asked Barry if he wanted me to text him a picture from my cell phone, not reading his profile. I didn’t know that he is legally blind and that a picture was not important to him either since he can’t see it anyway. I decided to call him on his cell phone since he said that he had a very busy day ahead of him, he was going out to shul to say his morning prayers and to MatzoBall® that night. We began talking and found out that we had a lot in common. I knew the same people he knew and even knew the color of the house that he grew up in. You see, we grew up a half mile from each other.

We spoke non-stop for three days, almost 18 hours a day. On the third day, I knew that Barry was my “Prince Charming,” my “Knight in Shining Armor” who was going to rescue me and steal my heart. I also knew that we would get married in the near future. He told me that he had something important to tell me. I already knew that I had feelings for him, but I was afraid to tell him that I was falling in love with him, and I knew that was what he wanted to express to me. I said, “Oh no, you are not going to say the L-word to me.” He said, “I love you,” and I told him that I felt the same about him.

He then told me that he wanted me to come to Florida and visit him for as long as I wanted. The plans were made that night for me to arrive in Florida on January 10, 2012 for three weeks and to come home on January 31, with no strings attached. We spoke non-stop for two weeks with a countdown of our final meeting. Well, the days passed so quickly and everyone who we told the story to told us that it was BESHERT. We finally met, arms wide open, at 2:30 pm on January 10, 2012.

Once we hugged each other and kissed for the first time, we knew that this was kismet, luck, Beshert. We felt like we had been together like an old married couple for 35 years. Everywhere we go, people ask us if we are on our honeymoon. We look like a happy couple. I help Barry get around due to his blindness and he makes me so very happy just to be with him, guiding him around. People tell me that I’m a special person since they see how much I love doing things for Barry. If only they knew that it’s a small token for the love that he gives me.

I have been in Florida for three weeks now, and I’m staying for two more weeks at which time I will return to Massachusetts to pack up my belongings and move 1,500 miles to be with my man in Florida. Yesterday, Barry presented me with a two-carat diamond ring and asked me to be his wife. I said, “Yes” of course! After all, I was not going to let him get away from me this time.

We have already spoken with a rabbi and plan on tying the knot on December 24, 2012, one year to the date that we met. The nuptials will take place under the chuppah on the beach in Florida.

8 Comments »

I really enjoyed reading this story. I have been considering taking my profile down when my membership is over. Been on Jdate for 3 years on and off. I too am willing to relocate but closer to the west coast if possible due to the very minimal choices of Jewish men in the 40 – 50 age range. I too hope to soon have a Beshert story to share like Sandy and Barry. Much Mazal to you both!

this story moved me to tears,what love what dedication and she is so humble they deserve each other.
it is said say finding you beshert there is no free will.This proves it many people would have walked away thats why the tears.I lost all in ww2 am the only survivor and undestand well the story
mazaltov it happens, never give up hope
dov ben essine

WOW,YOU GUYS ALWAYS HAD SO MUCH LOVE INTO EACH OTHER FOR MANY YEARS UNTIL YOU GUYS FINALLY FOUND EACH OTHER AS TRUE SOULMATES, IT REMINDED ME LIKE AS MY GRANDMA FOUND HER FIRST LOVE AGAIN WHEN THEY BOTH WERE BACK AS TEENAGER AFTER MY GRANDPA PASSED AWAY AND HIS WIFE PASSED AWAY FROM LAST YEAR BY DEMENTIA DISEASE..THEY BOTH ARE IN MID-80’S AGE WERE BEING INTRODUCE FROM MY GREAT UNCLE WHO KNEW HIM FROM SAME DENTISTRY SCHOOL. MY GRANDMA IS FALLING IN LOVE AGAIN WITH HER FIRST LOVE AGAIN, THEY’RE GOING OUT FOR MORE THAN TWO YEARS AND BECOMING GREAT COMPANSION FOR TRAVELING TOGETHER AND SEE EACH OTHER AS DAILY LIKE INSEPARABLE LOVEBIRDS……

KEEP IT UP! SO HAPPY FOR YOU TWO, MAEL TOV ON YOUR ENGAGEMENT AND KEEP IT UP WITH THE HAPPINESS, GOD BLESS YOU TWO GORGEOUS COUPLE!

Congratulations to you both it really is nice to hear that dates from sites do actually work out. As far as Jdate I have to admit that after trying quite a few sites I have had nothing but positive experiences with the men that I have encounter. No instant love like yours but I have met quite a few interesting men who were respectful and fun to be with

Wow…just when I think there’s no hope left I read something like this and realize, there’s not only always hope…but even hope for a Super-hero like Me*…Mazel mit Bruk’has you too! I only wish I could’ve danced at your wedding!

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